View Full Version : Uncle Rube comes home
Unclerube
07-30-2011, 11:06 AM
To the board veterans, a heartfelt thanks for keeping an eye out for my great uncle's card over the past few years. I am overjoyed to announce that my friend from the other Carolina, John Verona, spotted the card on eBay, bought it on a BIN and called me at home to tell me. A very gracious gesture. The card came in the mail today, ending my 30-year search for Jesse Morgan "Rube" Eldridge. The card is especially meaningful because he was not only my uncle, but someone I actually knew. He died at age 80 when I was 16. He became a local legend while spending his 25-year career in the minor leagues. He also appeared on a T209, which was relatively easy to find. But, his T210 card is somewhat of an enigma - a common card that is relatively rare. I saw only two, both over the past few years and in large lots.
Sorry to go on, just wanted to say many thanks and I'm so apprectiative of John and the contacts I've made here.
Go Gamecocks!!
Mikehealer
07-30-2011, 11:10 AM
Congrats to you and kudos to John for the gesture. I always like these kind of stories.
Congrats on a goal finally finished.....
and I should add, nice job John.....helping others is always good!!
Jay Wolt
07-30-2011, 11:44 AM
Wow! A 30 year search has finally ended. Kudo's to John for grabbing it for you.
barrysloate
07-30-2011, 02:27 PM
I think it's fair to say you may be the only one on the board who personally knew a player who appeared on a T card. That's pretty amazing.
B O'Brien
07-30-2011, 02:29 PM
All that good stuff AND it is a GREAT looking card to boot!
Enjoy,
Bob
greenmonster66
07-30-2011, 02:32 PM
Wonderful story Very happy for you and a wonderful gesture to a kind friend helping out! Wish the the world was like that helping each other out!
tonyk1975
07-30-2011, 03:15 PM
Wow awesome story :)
Rickyy
07-30-2011, 04:23 PM
Wow what a great story!:)
Ricky Y
packs
07-30-2011, 04:39 PM
Your uncle had quite a career in the minors. Almost 300 wins!
christopher.herman
07-30-2011, 04:42 PM
Congratulations on your find!
campyfan39
07-30-2011, 05:07 PM
Great story and love that Greensboro jersey! I am from Raleigh
mybuddyinc
07-30-2011, 05:09 PM
Very, very cool.
20 seasons: 285-218, 2.90 era ---------> UNREAL !!!!!!
Stats link: http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=eldrid001jes
Unclerube
07-30-2011, 05:47 PM
He did have impressive stats. Pitched both ends of more than 100 double-headers.
benderbroeth
07-30-2011, 06:28 PM
that is awesome!!! congrats!!!
i have a similiar story though not as long a search, i am related to don bollweg who played for the yankees in the 50's for at least 8+ years i have been looking for a signed card of his i wanted a 1952 topps preferably, i was looking on mickey's cards a few weeks ago, and they had it!!! i had no money then to buy the card, they held it for a few weeks for me, it is now on it's way to me!!
Brendan
07-30-2011, 06:46 PM
Congrats on finding it after all these years. Have to wonder why he never got called up.
Vintagecatcher
07-30-2011, 07:04 PM
Congrats on finding your uncle's T210!
It's especially nice that his card has a great image, and the card is a beauty. It's great that your friend was able to assist you. Good karma all around.
Enjoy,
Patrick
Unclerube
07-30-2011, 07:15 PM
It is a beauty, Patrick. Brendan, he was personally scouted 3 times by Connie Mack. He was offered a half-dozen contracts, but had no interest in playing in the majors. Uncle Rube said he didn't want to play anywhere "I can't walk home." He did play for several teams in the southeast.
Vintagecatcher
07-30-2011, 08:34 PM
I was also able to grab a T210 card from the same dealer that had long been on my wantlist as well earlier today.
Here's Clarence Hanford "Red" Munson:
joeadcock
07-30-2011, 10:02 PM
Great story
ls7plus
07-30-2011, 10:11 PM
The world absolutely does need more of this kind of thing--way to go, guys!
Larry
Golf History
07-30-2011, 10:49 PM
Great Greensboro jersey. I am in Greensboro. The park/stadium where Rube played still stands and up until a few years ago was the oldest still active minor league stadium in the US. We now have a fancier downtown park without urinal troughs!
ChiefBenderForever
07-31-2011, 03:48 PM
Awesome!
Unclerube
07-31-2011, 07:28 PM
I do have several of his team photos, but this one of him (left) out of uniform is my favorite. Quite a character. They called his best pitch "the barleycorn fadeway."
John V
08-01-2011, 04:54 AM
That's a great photo. You know they probably had a good laugh at the photographer's studio that day.
DixieBaseball
08-01-2011, 11:02 AM
Great story and kudos to John for helping you out ! This is what the hobby is all about... T210's are cool. :cool: